By. Zainab Olufunmi
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to sanitising Nigerian markets and safeguarding consumers through direct engagement with traders and market leaders.
The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, stated this on Wednesday during a market engagement forum held at Dawanau International Grains Market in Kano.
He said the commission is taking proactive steps to ensure fair and honest trade practices across the country.
According to him, outreach is part of the commission’s ongoing nationwide initiative aimed at interacting directly with those at the heart of economic activities farmers, producers, sellers, buyers, and traders.
“Consumer protection does not happen from a distance, it begins in the markets, where traders like you power our economy, support families and drive national growth,”he said.
Bello further explained that the engagement aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to prioritise reforms, protect livelihoods and promote inclusive development.
He said the prevalence of illegal practices such as rebagging and arbitrary price fixing, which undermine market integrity and exploit consumers.
On his part, the President of Dawanau Market Development Association, Alhaji Muttaqa Isa, commended FCCPC for their engagement, describing it as a welcome initiative and a step in the right direction.
“We will support all government efforts to ensure availability of safe and affordable food for all Nigerians,”he said.
Isa added that there is need to ensure quality of commodities sold in the market and price should reflect value and not to be manipulated.
“We will continue to sensitise our members on importance of fair pricing, quality assurance, and adherence to regulations to protect consumers,” he said.
Isa added that market leadership is committed to work with relevant authorities to ensure compliance with laid down rules and to discourage fix price, adulteration and welcome new traders.
